The matchup between the Abilene Cooper Cougars and the Andress Eagles was set to be a high-scoring contest at Andress’ Alan Sepkowitz Stadium in the 5A Bi-District round of the Texas playoffs.
The Cougars claimed an early 14-6 lead with a little over 2 minutes remaining in the 1st Quarter. Then, with 14 seconds left in the opening quarter, Cooper extended their lead with an 8-yard Touchdown pass from Chris Warren to Cam Herron to make it, 21-6, Cougars. Cooper continued its dominant play on the ensuing drive, as Daniel Bray had a 29-yard touchdown run to make it 28-6, Cougars.
Andress had an impressive following drive, which ended in the middle of the 2nd Quarter with a 2-yard Elias Duncan QB keeper to give the Eagles a glimpse of hope, by making the score 28-13. The Cougars answered back with a 3-minute drive, which ended with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Chris Warren to Malik Jackson to send Cooper up at the half, 35-13.
Most of the 3rd Quarter was a defensive battle, until Cooper’s Daniel Bray found paydirt with a 4-yard Touchdown run to extend the Cougars’ lead, 42-13, with 29 seconds remaining in the quarter. Andress made things interesting on the very next drive, when Elias Duncan connected with Malcolm Anderson for a 77-yard touchdown pass with less than 20 seconds into the 4th Quarter.
The Eagles pulled off a surprising onside kick and recovered, but were unable to do anything on the drive. The Cougars then took over possession and scored the final touchdown of the game with 7:21 left. The game ended with the Abilene Cooper Cougars hoisting the 5A Bi-District trophy with a 49-20 win over the Andress Eagles.
The Andress Eagles ended their season with an overall record of 5-6, respectively. Abilene Cooper will advance to the Area round of the playoffs to take on the Grapevine Mustangs next week.
Story by Paul David Oliver